Is Congress Leader Aryadan Shoukath the Likely Candidate for UDF in Nilambur Bypoll?

Thiruvananthapuram, May 25 (NationPress) Following the Election Commission's announcement of June 19 as the date for the Nilambur by-election, political dynamics have escalated in Kerala's Malappuram district.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has commenced its preparations with optimism, while the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is still grappling with the unexpected resignation of P.V. Anvar, who stepped down from both the assembly and the alliance.

The by-election, triggered by Anvar’s departure, is anticipated to be a crucial test for not just the UDF and LDF, but also for various smaller parties eager to establish their political significance ahead of the upcoming local body elections and the 2026 Assembly elections.

The Congress, the leading entity in the UDF, has begun its internal discussions and has identified several potential candidates. Among them, Aryadan Shoukath, the son of esteemed Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed, is the top contender.

While V.S. Joy, the president of the Malappuram District Congress Committee, is also a candidate, he is viewed as a less likely choice compared to Shoukath, who boasts a strong local support network and legacy appeal.

“The UDF has already initiated its campaign in Nilambur. Our groundwork and internal preparations are proceeding effectively. The candidate will be revealed soon. We are confident of achieving a significant victory in the bypoll,” stated Aryadan Shoukath.

Conversely, there is a growing call within the party to consider a female candidate. Adv. Beena Joseph, a Congress leader and Vice Chairperson of Manjeri Municipality, has publicly urged the party to nominate a woman candidate to reflect the evolving political desires of the electorate.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M)-led LDF is still in the process of finalizing its approach. The unexpected resignation of P.V. Anvar, who was elected as an LDF-backed independent in 2021, has left the alliance in disarray.

Several names are being discussed, but a final decision has yet to be made. Among the possible candidates from CPI(M) are U. Sharafali, a former Indian footballer; Prof. Thomas Mathew, the former principal of Chungathara Marthoma College; and Shinas Babu, the superintendent of Nilambur Taluk Hospital.

Other prospective candidates include Nilambur Municipal Chairman Mattummal Saleem and Adv. Sherona Sara Joy, a district panchayat member from Vazhikadavu.

“We will reach a final decision after comprehensive internal discussions. The election date has just been announced, and we are in the initial stages of our preparations,” remarked M. Swaraj, CPI(M) leader and constituency in-charge.

In the meantime, smaller parties such as the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), and the Welfare Party are also evaluating the possibility of contesting the bypoll.

These parties view the by-election as an opportunity to showcase their electoral strength, aiming to enhance their leverage in future alliances.

NCP state president N.A. Muhammed Kutty confirmed that the party will convene a state committee meeting on Sunday to decide on contesting.

The Welfare Party has already declared its intention to field a candidate, while the SDPI is actively preparing to participate.

With numerous contenders gearing up for the challenge and high stakes for all political factions, the Nilambur bypoll promises to be a pivotal political event, setting the tone for Kerala's evolving electoral landscape in the coming months.